GVK Biosciences Pvt Ltd has inaugurated the GVK BIO Wyeth Hyderabad Chemistry Centre. The centre is a built-to-suit research for the Wyeth Pharmaceuticals located in Hyderabad.

The research centre was inaugurated by Dr Robert Ruffolo, Ph D, president, Wyeth Research, in the presence of David Hopper, the consul general, united states consulate, Chennai, G V Krishna Reddy, chairman, GVK Group, D S Brar, chairman, GVK BIO and G V Sanjay Reddy, managing director, GVK BIO.

A team of 200 synthetic chemists and scientists are working on cutting-edge research in this state-of-the-art facility. The facility is equipped with the latest high-end scientific equipment and instrumentation. The GVK BIO Wyeth Hyderabad Chemistry Centre, located at Nacharam is comparable to any international research centre.

GVK BIO and Wyeth have entered into a collaborative research agreement in 2006. Wyeth selected GVK BIO after a global worldwide search for a suitable chemistry partner. GVK BIO was selected for the strength of their management team, research philosophy, and expertise in the area of synthetic organic chemistry. The current activities include the synthesis of reference standards, building blocks, intermediates, analogues, focused libraries and screening libraries. GVK BIO has a proven capability and track record in delivering value-added scientific services on time.

G V Krishna Reddy, chairman, GVK Group said, "GVK BIO is our group's first venture outside of Infrastructure. We are happy with the way GVK BIO has grown rapidly to become India 's leading contract research organization".

Ruffolo said, "Wyeth has a large discovery portfolio resulting in a growing need for strong medicinal chemistry. By working with GVK BIO as a partner, we are able to tap into the huge chemistry talent pool in India and to work globally on a 24-hour basis. This partnership significantly increases our chemistry capacity and complements our already strong in-house synthetic chemistry efforts".

"Through this research partnership, Wyeth has given a strong vote of confidence not only to GVK BIO but on a larger platform to India. Based on the success of the current medicinal chemistry projects, we look forward to growing our collaboration in other areas" said D S Brar, chairman, GVK BIO.

G V Sanjay Reddy said, "GVK BIO has made available the best scientific talent for Wyeth. The facility, human resources and equipment reflect high quality of science and productivity levels. The collaboration has been a win-win for both Wyeth and GVK BIO".

GVK BIO will be responsible for designing synthetic routes for new molecules, carrying out the synthesis and characterization of target molecules for Wyeth.